Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: What Is the Difference?
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both US Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler programs that speed up airport security. Global Entry is the more comprehensive program and, for most international travelers, the better value.
TSA PreCheck
Lets you use expedited security lines at over 200 US airports on participating airlines. Faster screening: leave shoes, belt, and light jacket on; leave laptop and liquids in your bag.
Cost: USD 78 for a 5-year membership.
Process: online application, in-person interview at an enrollment center, fingerprinting and background check.
Useful for: any traveler who flies domestically more than a few times per year. Saves significant time at security, especially during peak travel periods.
Global Entry
Includes everything TSA PreCheck offers, plus expedited re-entry to the US from international travel through dedicated kiosks (no immigration line, no customs declaration form for most travelers).
Cost: USD 100 for a 5-year membership.
Process: online application, additional vetting (more thorough than PreCheck), in-person interview that includes biometric data collection.
Useful for: any traveler who returns to the US from international destinations more than once a year. The time saved at re-entry can be 30-90 minutes during peak times at major hub airports.
The math
Global Entry costs USD 22 more than TSA PreCheck and includes everything PreCheck offers plus the international re-entry benefit. For anyone considering PreCheck and who travels internationally even occasionally, Global Entry is the obvious choice.
Many premium travel credit cards reimburse the application fee, making the program effectively free if you have one of those cards.
Who reimburses
Cards that reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- American Express Platinum
- American Express Gold (PreCheck only)
- Capital One Venture X
- Capital One Venture (PreCheck or Global Entry)
- Several other premium cards
The reimbursement happens automatically when you charge the application fee to the eligible card.
Other trusted traveler programs
NEXUS: USD 50 for 5 years. Includes TSA PreCheck and expedited entry to both the US and Canada from international travel. Best for travelers who frequently cross the US-Canada border.
SENTRI: similar to NEXUS but for US-Mexico border crossings.
CLEAR: a separate private service (USD 189/year) that uses biometric ID for line-skipping at participating airports. Different from PreCheck/Global Entry; complementary in some setups.
Application process
For Global Entry:
- Apply online through the Trusted Traveler Programs website. USD 100 fee.
- Conditional approval typically within a few weeks.
- Schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. Wait times can be 3-12 months at busy locations.
- Bring passport and proof of residence to the interview.
- Receive Global Entry card by mail (typically within 2-3 weeks of interview).
The interview wait is the slowest part of the process. Some airports offer “Enrollment on Arrival” for international flights, which lets returning Global Entry-conditional travelers complete the interview at the airport on the way back into the US.
What disqualifies you
Criminal record (especially recent or violent offenses), customs or immigration violations, false information on the application, certain national security concerns. The vast majority of routine travelers qualify.
The honest summary
If you fly internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry is worth USD 100 over five years. With credit card reimbursement, it is effectively free. The combination of expedited domestic security and expedited international re-entry saves enormous time over the membership period.